Canada's Governance: Satellite Radio & Language, Democratic Deficit -&- Quebec's World Role

Governance: Pushing Mediocrity

Political cronyism still alive -- "What was that he said about the "democratic deficit" some time ago? This prime minister never ceases to push mediocrity to new ... well ... middles?" comment by Mark Erwin, Toronto, Aug. 31, 05



Tune in, Ottawa, to satellite radio -- Not for us, the commercial-free joys of satellite radio broadcasting. According to recent reports, the federal government is ... Aug. 30, 05

And what is the problem? Why, not enough French-language on satellite radio, so the rest of Canada must do without?

Purportedly, Ottawa's concern is a lack of Canadian -- and specifically French-language -- content in the proposed new satellite radio scheme. But if supposed dissatisfaction in Quebec with the number of planned French-language satellite stations is indeed a major force in the plan to throw the decision back to the CRTC, the government might be leaning on a faulty premise.

According to a study released by Sirius Canada (one of the Canadian satellite licensees), a mere 20% of those in Quebec would like to see the CRTC reverse its satellite radio decision. [. . . . ]

Why is there consideration of French above all else? Another example, try to work for your own federal government if you are not bilingual (There may be exceptions made for Librano$ who make the right noises about the joys of bilingualism, esp. for the economy.); forget it. this is pervasive throughout Canada and the rest of Canada does not count if Francophone culture or language are affected. Frankly, this is short-sighted. Some of us are beginning to viscerally detest such unfairness to 80% of Canada.




The idea of Canada has already broken down

Did you know that even NB, as a bilingual province with a huge Francophone presence in the provincial government, now has an international trade representative to the World Bank? Does anyone remember the term "the revenge of the cradle"? Today, make that "the revenge of the bilingual requirement", which is much more effective. Once enough bilingual francophones are in government and the civil service, it is amazing what may be accomplished. Mouth the mantra or else; you may not be allowed to work . . . for the requirement has become pervasive far beyond the government. If enough Francophones move into an area and demand service, guess what? Very effective at getting what they want from governments heavily stacked with Francophones or those who make the same noises about the "need" for bilingual . . . whatever, and of course, translation. Anglo Canada is not supposed to notice and will be called names if they do -- often "bigots" and "racists". Remember truth is no excuse.

Well, it is time to state the obvious and to demand better. I'm tired of it, as are many others. We demand fairness across Canada. Paul Martin, note this.

Ottawa set to discuss Quebec's world role -- OTTAWA - The federal government is ready to sit down with Quebec as soon as this month to discuss expanding the province's role on the international stage. Jack Aubry, CanWest, Sept. 1, 05

[. . . . ] Mr. Pelletier said the Charest government is preparing to release a document spelling out the province's vision of an expanded role on the world stage, such as seeking standing in international negotiations that affect areas of provincial jurisdiction -- especially at UNESCO, a UN body that deals with education and cultural affairs. [. . . . ]

Mr. Pelletier, a self-described committed federalist, said the Charest government has reached agreements on parental leave, health care and municipal infrastructure and sees no reason why the province cannot have standing in international negotiations that affect areas of provincial jurisdiction such as education, culture and health care. [. . . . ]

It's over, folks; Canada is done as a united country; there is only the facade, thanks to governments catering to one segment over another. Whatever they say, it is notable that consideration for the West is dead/done/perhaps never was. There is only a government heavily Quebec-centered and leaning on Liberal hangers on and ethnic bloc voting elsewhere for its continued existence. It has taken approximately forty years but it is just about a done deal. Once Canada has provincial representatives to world bodies such as the UN / UNESCO, the francophonie, and the World Bank, it is a short step to complete separation. Of course, why bother to separate when you run things anyway, when the bulk of the Prime Ministers for half a century have been Quebec Liberals with one Quebec PC (Mulroney) and Quebec has been extraordinarily successful in garnering more and more--whether it be powers or funding such as Sponsorship funds -- and we know only the tip of the iceberg.

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